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Friday, January 28, 2022

Five Degrees

Two Barrel Cacti
30F when Willow, Frio and I started our hike this morning, 35F when we finished up.  The only saving grace was the absence of wind; only a slight breeze rustled the desert plants.

Instead of opting for the LDR-A arroyo for our first leg we trekked down the dirt road to the east/west cross trail and headed east to the new arroyo.  I hadn't planned on taking the middle branch until I spotted a large bird in an Ocotillo up near the arroyo's source.  I suspected it was a hawk.

The next part of the hike was the most interesting as I tried sneaking up on the raptor while trying to convince the Heelers that they needed to be calm and quiet.  Apparently Mr. Frio didn't hear me (he's deaf, after all) and he kept shaking his whole body, thereby jangling the bling on his collar.  Fortunately the bird, a Red-tailed Hawk, was very patient with us, and I was able to get close enough to take a few good photos before it flew away.

I have to comment on how well behaved the Heelers were today, especially Willow; I'd like to believe I'm finally getting through to her and she's beginning to listen.

Frio and Willow

Very small Soaptree Yucca

Frio and Willow

This & next 4:  sneaking up on a Red-tailed Hawk





Soaptree and Prickly Pear

Soaptrees in Middle Branch Arroyo

At left is one huge pad

 

1 comment:

Dr. K said...

Really good photos of the Red-tailed Hawk. I'm glad the Heelers behaved well.

Low Country and then High

This & next:  Pyrrhuloxia (aka Desert Cardinal) Willow and I did our regular hike this morning, returning afterward to finish packing fo...